Tanzanian president fires mining chiefs over tax dodge allegations

APD NEWS

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Tanzania President John Magufuli has fired his mining secretary and the head of the state-run mineral audit agency after an investigation suggested at least one mining company was under-declaring the value of exports.

Magufuli announced in a televised address on Wednesday that he was also dissolving the Tanzania Mineral Audit Agency board of directors and sacking its chief executive.

There has long been tension between the government and Tanzania’s mining industry over suspicions of tax evasion. Mining accounts for about 4 percent of the East African nation’s GDP, according to Reuters.

The president also urged Energy and Mineral Minister Sospeter Muhongo to consider stepping down. "I like Professor Muhongo very much... he is my friend, but I would like him to assess himself on this issue and vacate his position without delay," Magufuli said.

(CGTN)